Ethan O’Donnell Stats & Scouting Report

AB	114
AVG	.219
OBP	.331
SLG	.342
HR	2

Full name Ethan Thaddeus O'Donnell
Born 03/27/2002 in Chicago, IL
Profile Ht.: 6'1" / Wt.: 190 / Bats: L / Throws: R
School Virginia
Drafted in the 6th round (168th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds in 2023 (signed for $307,500).

View Draft Report

School: Virginia Source: 4YR

Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.3
BA Grade:40/High
Tools:Hit: 45. Power: 40. Run: 50. Field: 50. Arm: 50.

O’Donnell made a name for himself in 2022 after hitting .320 during the spring season with 24 doubles and 10 home runs, and followed that performance up by going 16-for-51 (.314) with four doubles across 14 games played on the Cape. A pick to click this season by many, O’Donnell was just that and served as a catalyst for the Virginia offense, with a .356/.450/.595 slash line, 13 home runs, 18 doubles and 18 stolen bases in 63 games. O’Donnell has a slightly open stance with a low handset and has great feel to hit and advanced barrel sense. He is able to consistently get the ball up in the air and can drive the ball to either gap, though he has below-average raw power and most of his home runs went to the pull side this spring. He has a solid approach overall with a 77% contact rate and decent swing decisions. He performed nicely against 92-plus mph velocity, but could improve his ability to recognize and stay off of spin out of the zone. O’Donnell is a plus athlete and a solid-average runner who will turn in above-average home-to-first times on occasion. His instincts and athleticism allow him to cover plenty of ground in either direction in center field, where he is a good bet to stick professionally.

Top Rankings

Organization Prospect Rankings

BA Grade/Risk: 45/High.

Track Record: O’Donnell parlayed a solid sophomore season at Northwestern and a summer stint in the Cape Cod League to become a catalyst for Virginia’s lineup in 2023. He hit .354/.448/.587, but his lack of power led him to slide to the sixth round in the 2023 draft, where the Reds signed him for $307,500. He battled a shoulder injury for much of the 2024 season, but he hit .373/.421/.655 in August with High-A Dayton when he was fully healthy.

Scouting Report: O’Donnell has the profile of being yet another prospective fourth outfielder for the Reds. He’s a lefthanded hitter with enough ability to smoke line drives and fringe-average power. If O’Donnell has an Achilles’ heel at the plate it may prove to be his aggressiveness. He swings a lot and he doesn’t have exceptional contact skills, so more advanced pitchers may start to take advantage of his tendency to chase. He’s an exceptional bunter who had 14 bunt hits in 2024. O’Donnell showed plus speed and the ability to play all three outfield spots.

The Future: O’Donnell doesn’t have exceptional upside, but his ability to hit, bunt, run and play defense makes him a valuable role player. He’s set to jump to Double-A Chattanooga in 2025.

Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 60 | Field: 55 | Arm: 50.

Draft Prospects

School: Virginia Source: 4YR

Commit/Drafted: Never Drafted
Age At Draft: 21.3
BA Grade:40/High
Tools:Hit: 45. Power: 40. Run: 50. Field: 50. Arm: 50.

O’Donnell made a name for himself in 2022 after hitting .320 during the spring season with 24 doubles and 10 home runs, and followed that performance up by going 16-for-51 (.314) with four doubles across 14 games played on the Cape. A pick to click this season by many, O’Donnell was just that and served as a catalyst for the Virginia offense, with a .356/.450/.595 slash line, 13 home runs, 18 doubles and 18 stolen bases in 63 games. O’Donnell has a slightly open stance with a low handset and has great feel to hit and advanced barrel sense. He is able to consistently get the ball up in the air and can drive the ball to either gap, though he has below-average raw power and most of his home runs went to the pull side this spring. He has a solid approach overall with a 77% contact rate and decent swing decisions. He performed nicely against 92-plus mph velocity, but could improve his ability to recognize and stay off of spin out of the zone. O’Donnell is a plus athlete and a solid-average runner who will turn in above-average home-to-first times on occasion. His instincts and athleticism allow him to cover plenty of ground in either direction in center field, where he is a good bet to stick professionally.

Career Transactions

CF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts.
CF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Cincinnati Reds.
OF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Dayton Dragons from Daytona Tortugas.
OF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Daytona Tortugas from ACL Reds.
OF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Daytona Tortugas from ACL Reds.
OF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to ACL Reds.
Cincinnati Reds drafted OF Ethan O'Donnell.
College Workout activated OF Ethan O'Donnell.
OF Ethan O'Donnell assigned to Virginia Cavaliers.

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